Longtime competitors Sonic and Mario can finally settle their differences (peacefully) at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The unlikely combination of Sega and Nintendo mascots results in a choice of 16 characters, eight on each side, in 20 official Olympic events. Each character has distinct ratings in speed, power, skill, and stamina, with Sonic and Shadow edging out all rivals in sheer swiftness. Single Match involves earning medals in a choice of events, while Circuit Mode has players trying to place third or better in multiple circuits spanning three to five events. Mission Mode offers a total of 96 individual challenges, with each character facing six different goals to complete.

All events use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in various ways. Running consists of alternating up and down motions with each hand, while jumps are initiated by lifting the Wii Remote upwards or at an angle. Featured events include the long jump, hurdles, swimming, archery, trampoline, pole vault, hammer throw, skeet shooting, fencing, and more. Up to four players can compete simultaneously in certain events, and top scores can be posted online via Wi-Fi Connection. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games also lets players import their Mii characters for a more personal touch to the character-based competition. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide